Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
So I think I'm too poor for SFH [with rising interest rates] and I'm looking at townhomes
They are new builds and in 9/9/9 school areas i.e best areas in town
they do have a sizable HOA though like almost $285/month
SFH in the 9/9/9 school district are just simply not there anymore, ones available are older and need a lot of work [ like over 100k ].
any thoughts on townhomes? mostly interested in cons esp down the yrs. Any pitfalls to avoid ?
I'm hoping I can this way keep my kids in the best schools , get a property [ tiny one albeit ] in the best neighborhood and pay basically what I'm spending now on rent and still own something.ANd since these townhomes are in the best area they are unlikely to be hard hit if property prices do correct a lot over the coming yrs.
Here in Northern Virginia, townhouses are very common. Biggest complaint is noise, and that all depends on the ttpe of construction. If I were you, I'd ask neighbors if they can hear through the walls.
Hopefully this won't swing into a pro versus con HOA thread. Personally, I see the value in them, but I am a rules follower. I reviewed the documents carefully before purchasing and knew I had no issue with the rules. Never had a problem. Now, if you don't like the rules or don't like someone else making the rules for your house, then DO NOT buy in an HOA community.
Here in Northern Virginia, townhouses are very common. Biggest complaint is noise, and that all depends on the ttpe of construction. If I were you, I'd ask neighbors if they can hear through the walls.
Hopefully this won't swing into a pro versus con HOA thread. Personally, I see the value in them, but I am a rules follower. I reviewed the documents carefully before purchasing and knew I had no issue with the rules. Never had a problem. Now, if you don't like the rules or don't like someone else making the rules for your house, then DO NOT buy in an HOA community.
I'm a rule follower too
they will take my fat golden retriever i did check that
What does that $285/month include? Not all HOAs are built equal. HOA fees can increase over time although if the development is older, it's probably gone up about as much as it will.
I'll second the point on noise. Townhouses are generally seen as a "lesser" product than SFHs, how much lesser depends on the location. If the townhomes are in a better/more desirable location, I would go for location over SFH. The first 5 rules of real estate are...Location, Location, Location, Location....and oh, Location.
What does that $285/month include? Not all HOAs are built equal. HOA fees can increase over time although if the development is older, it's probably gone up about as much as it will.
I'll second the point on noise. Townhouses are generally seen as a "lesser" product than SFHs, how much lesser depends on the location. If the townhomes are in a better/more desirable location, I would go for location over SFH. The first 5 rules of real estate are...Location, Location, Location, Location....and oh, Location.
a pool
community center
trash
outdoor upkeep
a gate/security
yes its location is in the best schools and safest area that is the biggest reason I'm considering it
HOA will most likely go up no idea by how much though or how soon
Former townehome owner here.
Get a copy of the by-laws, covenants, rules of the neighborhood. Ascertain whether they are reasonable or too loose or very, very detailed.
Stalk your potential neighbors. Laugh, as you may, but I can't stress this enough. Go day and night: watch and listen. Get a feel for their vibes.
You are sharing a wall with these people.
Even if it's a high end community, beware.
Former townehome owner here.
Get a copy of the by-laws, covenants, rules of the neighborhood. Ascertain whether they are reasonable or too loose or very, very detailed.
Stalk your potential neighbors. Laugh, as you may, but I can't stress this enough. Go day and night: watch and listen. Get a feel for their vibes.
You are sharing a wall with these people.
Even if it's a high end community, beware.
since its new build
maybe stalk the other builders location which is not far off?
a pool
community center
trash outdoor upkeep
a gate/security
yes its location is in the best schools and safest area that is the biggest reason I'm considering it
HOA will most likely go up no idea by how much though or how soon
new builds so no idea about the noise
"outdoor upkeep"
Don't be vague in your mind about that. You should be able to get a comprehensive list of Owner and HOA responsibilities.
Does "outdoor upkeep" include :
Landscape maintenance,
Driveways,
Sidewalks,
Exterior building maintenance, including roofing, siding, foundation. Many HOA responsibilities will not include windows or doors.
Your $285 should include master liability and common area property damage insurance for the complex.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
